Fish care
Cherry Barb: Complete Care Guide
Last updated: May 2026
Summary
Structured care sheet for Cherry barb (Puntius titteya). Validate every purchase with the free aquarium stocking calculator, parameter testing habits, and the species database table.
- Cross-check length and temperature against the species explorer.
- Track nitrate drift weekly once the tank has cycled.
- Refer to the species hub for long-form tank mate essays.
Max size5 cm / 2.0in
Temperature22-27°C / 72–81°F
pH range6–7
Min tank size60 L / 16 US gal
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful shoaling
DietOmnivore
Swim zoneVaries
Colour honesty
Males flush intense red when comfortable; washed-out bars usually mean harassment, bright overhead glare, or parameter drift—not a defective fish. Dimmer viewing angles and planted breaks help.
Shoal etiquette
Cherry barbs rarely reach tiger-barb chaos but still need conspecific company. Mixing a singleton into an aggressive community invites hiding behind heaters.
See tank mate combinations tuned to temperament overlap.
Browser calculator stays free. The app only matters if you want several tanks, photos, and test history on your phone.
Get App-aquatic → Free stocking calculator →